Deschamps values Giroud's work as the first line of the French defense, harassing the opponent when it has the ball in its half, and as a third center back to defend set pieces, which have played such an important role in the World Cup.

"But he is someone I really appreciate, I'm happy for him".

Henry bagged 51 goals in 123 games, and featured for the Les Blues in four editions of the global showpiece - 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010.

They may have just booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals, but Thierry Henry and Eden Hazard were quickly on hand to comfort Neymar after Belgium beat Brazil. If he says something, it always turns out to be something helpful.

Sunday French paper Le Journal du Dimanche also devoted several pages to the friendship and rivalry between the two countries and attached an excerpt from an Asterix comic book showing a dispute between Belgian and Gallic chieftains.

MOSCOW, July 9 ― Belgium will be deeply disappointed if they fail to win the World Cup, defender Thomas Vermaelen said yesterday, in the first direct acknowledgement of the team's belief in their ability to emerge triumphant in Russian Federation. But we will be ready because we have an extremely good state of mind, and it is the semi-finals in the World Cup.

France have one foot in the World Cup final as Samuel Umtiti heads them ahead in the 51st minute.

"He has brought us that important element of experience", the coach said on Friday.

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